How to Choose a New Countertop and Maintain It
The decision to install new countertops is a major investment with the potential to increase real estate value and improve the visual design of your living space. There are numerous types of natural stone to choose from, including granite, marble, and terrazzo slabs. However, there are several factors that must be considered before deciding which new countertop to purchase.
Each different type of material possesses different qualities and requires varying degrees of maintenance. For example, granite is strong and can withstand the elements. While others, such as marble, are notorious for scratching easily.
The following information was developed to serve as a guide for homeowners who are interested in installing new countertops. We will explore the different materials you can select for your new countertop and weigh the pros and cons of each.
Key Considerations Before Choosing a Countertop
1. Evaluate Your Lifestyle Needs
Ask yourself how the space will be used. Are you someone who cooks frequently? Do you entertain often? Do you have young children who might spill juice or drag utensils across the surface? Understanding the amount of daily wear and tear your countertop will experience helps narrow down your options. For example, a heat- and stain-resistant material like granite or quartz may suit a high-traffic kitchen better than a more delicate material like onyx or marble.
2. Match the Countertop to the Space
Certain rooms will demand different countertop features. For instance, kitchens need surfaces that resist moisture, heat, and scratches. Bathrooms benefit from surfaces that can withstand humidity. For decorative areas like wet bars or vanity tops, style may outweigh performance, so you might consider a more dramatic material like marble or terrazzo.
3. Think About Maintenance Expectations
Not all countertops are created equal when it comes to upkeep. Some, like quartz, require minimal care. Others, such as marble or onyx, need frequent sealing and gentle handling. Be realistic about how much time you’re willing to dedicate to maintenance before committing to a material.
4. Don’t Underestimate Installation and Repairs
Proper installation is key to your countertop’s longevity. Choose a reputable installer with experience handling your selected material. Likewise, understand that chips, cracks, and stains often require professional repairs, especially with natural stones.
5 Common Countertop Mistakes to Avoid
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Choosing a material based on looks alone without considering maintenance
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Using acidic cleaners that can etch or discolor the stone
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Skipping sealing schedules for porous materials like granite or marble
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Placing hot cookware directly on the surface without protection
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Trying to fix chips or cracks with DIY kits instead of calling a professional
Avoiding these mistakes will help preserve your investment and keep your countertops looking new for years to come.
1. Granite Countertops
Performance and Durability
Granite is one of the most durable and versatile countertop materials available. It resists heat, scratching, and general wear, making it a favorite for kitchens, bathrooms, and even outdoor spaces. Each granite slab is naturally unique, with its own color patterns and veining.
Care and Maintenance
Granite requires regular sealing to protect against stains, especially from oil, wine, or acidic substances. Use only granite-safe cleaners to prevent damage to the sealant. Wipe up spills promptly and use trivets for hot items.
Styling Tips
Granite pairs well with both modern and traditional cabinetry. With over 3,000 color variations, there’s a look to suit every design preference, from dramatic black-and-white contrast to soft, earthy tones.
2. Marble Countertops
Appearance and Elegance
Marble is beloved for its luxurious look and unique veining. No two slabs are alike, which makes it a standout choice for high-end designs, bathroom vanities, and fireplace surrounds.
Vulnerability and Maintenance
Marble is a softer, porous stone. It scratches and etches easily when exposed to acidic items like citrus, vinegar, or wine. Regular sealing is essential, and harsh chemicals should always be avoided.
Ideal Uses
While marble can be used in kitchens, it’s better suited for low-traffic areas or homes where the homeowner is prepared to maintain it carefully and consistently.
3. Quartz Countertops
Engineered Convenience
Quartz is a man-made surface composed of natural quartz and resin. It offers a non-porous, low-maintenance solution with a consistent appearance, making it ideal for busy families or commercial kitchens.
Ease of Cleaning
Unlike natural stones, quartz does not require sealing. It’s resistant to staining, bacterial growth, and moisture. Just avoid placing hot pots directly on the surface, as the resin may warp under extreme heat.
Aesthetic Flexibility
Quartz can mimic the appearance of granite, marble, or even concrete, and it comes in an impressive range of colors and styles to match virtually any interior.
4. Onyx Countertops
Visual Impact
Onyx is a rare and visually striking stone known for its translucency, which allows it to be backlit for dramatic effect. It’s often used in bars, statement islands, and bathroom vanities.
Fragility and Limitations
While beautiful, onyx is also delicate. It scratches and chips easily, making it a poor choice for high-traffic kitchens or homes with children. Professional maintenance is required to keep it looking its best.
Design Use Cases
Onyx is best suited for decorative purposes where its aesthetics can shine,like wall panels, fireplace surrounds, or display areas with controlled usage.
5. Terrazzo Countertops
Eco-Friendly and Durable
Made from a mix of marble chips, glass, quartz, and resin, terrazzo is both sustainable and long-lasting. Its speckled pattern adds an artistic element to kitchens and bathrooms alike.
Care Requirements
Terrazzo is heat-resistant and relatively durable but may crack over time without proper installation. Like granite, it benefits from regular sealing and the use of gentle, pH-neutral cleaners.
Design Versatility
Its colorful chips allow for customization, making terrazzo ideal for homeowners looking to create a playful or retro-modern atmosphere.
Countertop Maintenance
Proper and regular stone maintenance is critical for ensuring the lifespan and protecting the beauty of your countertops. There are several things that must be done correctly and often to protect these surfaces.
Sealing
A sealant must be applied to stone countertops to protect them from the elements. These sealants aid the material in repelling moisture, preventing scratching, and making them less prone to other damages. This should be completed after initial installation and on an ongoing basis.
Cleaning
It is critical to the life of your countertops that you only use stone-safe cleaning agents. Never use any harsh commercial cleaning products on stone surfaces. This can result in damages, including etching and stains.
Repairs
Never attempt to repair any etching, stain, chips, or cracks on your countertop on your own. These repairs require professional contractors who use specialized tools and skills. Attempting to fix these issues on your own can result in excessive and irreparable damage to these surfaces.
Other Stone Maintenance Tips
The following are general tips for countertop maintenance that apply to all the aforementioned materials.
- Dust surfaces regularly.
- Clean up spills immediately.
- Never place acidic products on the countertop. Even products in containers could leak and/or spill.
- Use warm water and regular soap to wipe surfaces.
You can contact natural stone professionals to handle all of your regular stone maintenance, including sealing, polishing, and repairs.
Contact us today!
South Florida homeowners choose Just Call Classic for all of their natural stone maintenance, care, and restoration. Our honest, reliable, team of specialists is highly trained to care for a wide range of surfaces, including countertops, floors, and patios.
Visit us online to learn more about their services.
